The potential ripple effect of Google's new Nexus strategy

0.phoneArena10 Oct 2012, 15:44posted on

A couple days ago, we talked about how Google's rumored new Nexus strategy of releasing multiple devices through multiple manufacturing partners could help to stop the vocal minority within the Android user base from complaining about "fragmentation". Today, we want to talk about the potential ripple effect, and how more Nexus devices will affect the ecosystem as a whole...

Quote: 'Samsung may not always be the best about pushing updates, but since it began working with Google for the Nexus S and then the Galaxy Nexus, Samsung has been one of the better manufacturers about launching new devices with the newest version of Android. That may not apply to Jelly Bean updates so far, but Samsung is unlikely to have gotten any early builds of Jelly Bean, because it wasn't building the launch device.'.

Just a thought on the above, if Samsung's updates are faster because of their association with Google's Nexus program, why is LG's Optimus G reported to be using ICS and not JB, it's their flagship device, especially when other manufacturers are already releasing and updating phones to JB. Isn't LG the current Nexus program lead manufacturer for phones according to media. So shouldn't they at least be able to release from day one the G with JB.

And, yes I am aware that phones are not designed overnight! Still! Maybe criticism of LG's software updates are warranted, maybe.

I'd guess that's probably due to all of the customization that has gone into the LG Optimus G. The Q slider and all of that stuff takes a lot of work, so LG has likely been working on that for a long time.

Or maybe the speculations about a 4.2 Android version is true. And LG is working with the next version of Android that can't be put in the Optimus G yet. So, they will upgrade the Optimus G from ICS to 4.2 (Jelly Bean with Road Runner or Key Lime Pie).

Well, just to put it in perspective, The note2 launched with JB.. which I think makes it the first non Nexus to launch with JB if im not mistaken. Considering android's history, its getting a bit quicker from google update to new phone launch than it used to be.

The optimus G hasnt launched yet. There is still time for a JB upgrade... or one shortly after launch.

People need objective journalism...I appreciate when reviewers try to find the best and worst of "both" worlds. Even other huge tech sites that I thought biased now have no excuses. For the iphone 5, the reviewer said: "Probably the best smartphone for the masses, but consider me a geek - I'll stick with android 4.1

Because supposedly most all brands are going to be flaunting a Nexus device this year. The point is that the manufacturers will all have faster access to the next software update if they have a Nexus device in their stable.

If your a company that has a Nexus device, you get test software months before its released that you can be basing your overlay (sense, touchwiz, ect) on. If you dont have a Nexus in your line up, you get the software the same time as everyone else.. when google puts it in the public repository.

Good article Michael,
you pulled a new angle on the process of having multiple nexus (nexi?) that I had not thought of with more manufacturers having much quicker access to the next update to use for their own UI's.

Now that makes me wonder if google puts a restriction on the manufacturers that they are not allowed to use the Beta code for UI development until a certain point in the development timeline, like gold status... or if they are free to develop for themselves the moment they get the update code.

May be Google can make standard Os just like Windows but yet, users still can customize it the way users want. Average users with computers only need tweaking not modifing the system even system kernels.

If Google can make Standard Android OS, then all the problems is solved and all become to depend on hardware structure compactibility just like on PCs/Laptops.

Imagine we can install any Android OS version on any phones with the needed only for it's phone driver just like on PCs/Laptops. It could be fun.

Excellent article. My only disappointment with the new Nexus program is that, other than the potentially fake rumors about the Motorola Occam, there's no mention of a Motorola Nexus.

However, I've said it before and I'll say it again, the primary delay in updates these days comes from the carriers. It's not glaringly obvious here in the US because there are so few examples of unlocked phones, but international variants of devices get the updates so much sooner than the US versions. Also, there are examples of devices like the Xoom. The Verizon version got ICS six months after the Wifi version did. Also, the Wifi version already has Jelly Bean, while the Verizon version still hasn't.

sorry if im wrong but why would motorola need to be a nexus? The only things a nexus gets is quick updates and better support. wouldnt motorola get quick updates anyway coz its owned by google. Google may even get rid of motoblur or keep it as a customization option turned on by default and may even advise motorola about what hardware would be best for the os. the result is that every motorola device is sort of a nexus even though it doesnt say so. I think thats exactly what google is planning to do and thats why theres no motorola nexus.

Long time reader of phonearena's articles and Micheal h. you are by far the best writer on this site, looking forward to more of your articles. Also why isn't there any sd slots on any nexus device? is that to keep cost down?

If you're cut off from updates directly from Google, what does 'Nexus' mean in that context?

As an Android user who has flashed custom ROMs, but refuses to accept the this-part-isn't-working-but-that's-OK approach, will we ever see a true Nexus CDMA device? Something major has to change if that is to be the case.

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